A Forum and Festival for Kenyan Fashion
Grand Fashion Awards is a Kenyan forum and festival dedicated to celebrating and recognising exceptional creativity and excellence in Kenya's fashion and arts talent industry. It is a one-of-a-kind initiative honouring the outstanding personalities and key players of an industry that shapes culture, the economy and opinion both locally and globally.
Beyond an awards programme, it is curated as a festival of elegance, pomp and expression. The 2026 theme — "Threads of Opportunity; Fashion as a Pathway to Youth Livelihoods" — reframes fashion as a livelihood, not only a look.
Fashion is more than aesthetics. It is an ecosystem of skills, jobs and businesses. Under the theme Threads of Opportunity, the 3rd Edition of GFA highlights fashion as a sustainable source of income and economic empowerment for young people. From design and tailoring to modelling, styling, production, retail and content creation, every thread in the fashion value chain represents opportunity, dignity and growth.
Threads of Opportunity; Fashion as a Pathway to Youth Livelihoods.
Our Mission
To partner with stakeholders across corporate and business sectors, entertainment and media, and both governmental and non-governmental organisations — building a blueprint that highlights the role fashion plays at the intersection of culture.
We place a recurring emphasis on celebrating the next generation of young creative talent, using the integration of art and society as a subtle, effective way of introducing ideas and culture to people.
Our Objectives
Celebrating Excellence
Recognising and promoting excellence in Kenya's fashion and cultural industry, as both an art and a business.
Art & Society
Integrating art and society as a means of youth income generation and lasting social impact.
Networks for Change
Creating strong networks that champion change and amplify leaders revolutionising fashion and art.
What We Award
Most are awarded as "Of The Year" (O.T.Y), spanning industry professionals, models, personalities and sustainability-focused honours.
Industry & Professional
- Fashion Designer, Stylist and Cloth Line
- Wedding Designer and Accessories Designer
- Fashion Shop, Studio and Photographer
- Events Planner
Beauty & Grooming
- Makeup Artist and Hairstylist
- Barber and Nail Salon
- Beauty Spa and Beauty School
Models & Institutions
- Male and Female Runway Models
- Male and Female Commercial Models
- Campus Model
- Modelling Agency and Fashion College
Most Fashionable Personalities
- CEOs, actors and actresses
- Artists, gospel artists and dancers
- DJs, MCs and club hosts
- YouTube, TikTok and Instagram personalities
- TV and radio personalities, influencers, inspirational personalities and celebrity kids
Sustainability & Circular Fashion
- Street Fashion Designer and Thrift Store
- Sustainable Fashion Designer and Brand
- Upcycle Fashion Brand and Crochet Designer
- Sustainable Fashion Start-up to Watch
See the Full List
Every category, what it recognises, and how to submit your entry.
Browse CategoriesWho We Work With
Corporate & Business
Brands and businesses investing in Kenyan creativity as both culture and commerce.
Entertainment & Media
The platforms and personalities that carry the festival to a wider audience.
Government & NGOs
Institutions supporting fashion and arts as a driver of income and social impact.
Recognition & Voting
All category and title winners are honoured with a customised accolade and a gift hamper. Every nominee — not only the winners — receives a Certificate of Merit recognising them as outstanding and remarkable in their category.
Shortlisted nominees go through a three-week public voting period. Voting is fair, transparent and verifiable, run through a certified computer-based survey system.
Be Part of the 2026 Edition
Explore the 52 categories and enter the one that fits the work you're doing in Kenyan fashion.